Any building built before 1 January 2000 is likely to contain asbestos. However, it is still possible for more recently-constructed buildings to contain asbestos.

Asbestos can be in places that you might not expect, so you could come into contact with it without knowing about it beforehand.

Once asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are disturbed, tiny asbestos fibres are released. These fibres are hazardous, and if breathed in can cause lung disease and cancer.

If you don’t take the right precautions to protect yourself, you’re risking your life and your livelihood.

Did you know?

Most cases of asbestos-related diseases are caused by exposure in the workplace.

More than 170 New Zealanders die each year from diseases related to past asbestos exposure.

Every tradesperson is likely to come into contact with asbestos at work.

Asbestos remains common in homes, business premises and public buildings today.

When done regularly, even small jobs like drilling a hole could expose you to the danger.

What to do if you uncover or damage materials that may contain asbestos

Stop the work immediately.

Keep people away.

Minimise the spread of contamination to other areas.

Get advice on what to do next.

Removing asbestos

From 4 April 2016, if more than 10 m2 of non-friable asbestos has to be removed over the whole course of the project for the site, it must be done by a licensed asbestos removalist.

All friable asbestos removal work (where the number of fibres released is likely to be high) must also be carried out by a licensed asbestos removalist. This includes work on asbestos lagging, asbestos insulation and damaged asbestos board.

A licensed asbestos removalist can be a person holding a current Certificate of Competence until April 2018.

Working with asbestos

Simple ways to protect yourself

It’s really important that you take precautions to protect yourself against asbestos, even on small jobs that don’t seem to create much dust.

Remember

If possible, plan the job to avoid disturbing any asbestos.

If the asbestos has to be disturbed, don’t start work until you have double-checked how to do it safely and that you have the right information and training.

Figures 1, 2 and 3: Asbestos can be in places that you might not expect; including behind fuse boxes, in roofing, and window sills

Three simple things will help keep you safe

Three simple things will help keep you safe when doing asbestos work:

1. Keep dust down.2. Use the right protective equipment.3. Clean up properly.

Keep dust down

1. Keep ACM damp, but not too wet.

Before you start a job, and if it is safe to do so, wet materials using a low-pressure water spray such as a garden sprayer or a hand-held water spray. Continue wetting the ACM as you work. This will reduce the amount of dust.

Do not use a hose as this can be high-pressure and will spread the dust around.

A mixture of eight parts water to one part washing-up liquid will help the water soak into the material.OR

Use thickened substances, pastes and gels, such as wallpaper paste, hair gel or shaving cream to cover the surfaces of the ACM being worked on.

2. Only use power tools set at the lowest speed so you do not create a lot of dust. Use dust collection equipment wherever possible.3. Use plastic sheets to cover your work area to help stop the spread of dust. They will also make cleaning up easier.

Use the right protective equipment

Wear a mask

Not all masks protect from asbestos.

A disposable P2 mask with a valve is the minimum needed for this work. P1 or ‘nuisance dust’ masks will not provide the protection you need.

Don’t re-use disposable masks.

Make sure your mask fits properly. Facial hair and stubble make it almost impossible to get a good seal between your face and the mask.